We've become accustomed to email "Thank yous" and texted "Happy Birthdays", but we can all agree that nothing beats receiving a thoughtful, handwritten card in the mail. Greeting cards have delighted me throughout my life, marking every important occasion. As a little girl, I treasured pretty birthday cards and most of all, the yearly over-sized pink and lacey Valentines from my dad, which always made me feel so very special. I still have the love notes that my first crush slipped me in the seventh grade, and all the cards that boyfriends have sent me through the years. Engagement cards, wedding greetings, congratulations on the birth of my children, condolences after my mother's passing...I still treasure them all.
After taking up scrapbooking, I occasionally used my stash of papers and embellishments to create cards from scratch. Last year, I hosted a Valentine card-making party for some girlfriends, and this year, I even made my own Christmas cards, but it wasn't until this past month that I took card-making seriously as an art-form.
When I agreed to be a host on the Let’s Scrap Leap Around the World Blog Hop, it came with the challenge of making a possible 50 cards from 50 inspirational sketches and posted on blogs from all over the world. I doubted that I would reach the ultimate goal, but I was hoping to make at least one-a-day during the month of February. (Yikes! I'm seriously behind!) As I diligently worked towards my quota, I saw beautiful little works of art come to fruition. What a lovely thought...to actually create and send a handmade card that is worthy of being framed. I started with some Valentines. First, I made one for Jim, expressing the devotion we have for eachother. 
I layered lovely papers and die-cuts that I chalked around the edges for added dimension and even tied it with a gossamer ribbon. (I love ribbon on cards!)
Then I made one for my sister, Ildi, who still has on display the Valentine I made her last year: 
I've had this little cupid image for a while, just waiting for the perfect reason to use it. It reminded me so much of my sister at age 3 or so, with her lovely blond locks. The vintage seam binding (such a pretty, soft color) was crumpled from storage, and I just allowed the creases to fall where they may & then glued them strategically to frame the image and the sentiment.
I made this next card (one of my favorites) to honor the lovely quote by Helen Keller- a reminder to appreciate the simple gifts of life: 
Most of the cards were made with someone in mind, which added to the joy of creation. For example, my son, Attila, was turning 34 this month (a fact that still baffles me) and I was thinking about what an adorable little boy he was, so I captured my thoughts in this card and included a favorite photo of our first outing to Chappaquiddick after moving to Martha's Vineyard -I think he'll treasure it: 
In case you're wondering, the metal medallion was something I picked up from the Making Memories Bravissmo line. It came with the epoxy circle that fit perfectly over the punched-out photo. I used two other epoxy elements for balance.
I was looking for a way to thank my dear friend, Susan Branch, for the lovely tea she invited me to, so I made her a card that suits her personality as well as the occasion... 
My friend, Laura, was getting excited about her upcoming tropical vacation (if I could only stow-away in her leopard luggage!) so I made her a "Happy Vacation" card. 
I was getting more and more jazzed about card-making as an art-form, as I found myself becoming more and more creative. Here I used some great paper and tags from Graphic 45 along with burlap and silk flowers I had in my stash.
The more I saw my cards as frame-worthy art, the more inspired I became. I came across a wonderful image that spoke to my heart and found a sentiment to match. I believe I made this one just for me: 
Well, I'm signing off for now...I still have 11 days before the month is over (thank you leap year for that extra day!), so I better get back to my art room and make some more card art!
Thanks for stopping by, and it's still not too late to join in all the card-making fun!
(Do be my Valentine and leave me some love in the comment section below. If you're reading this via email, hop on over & say "Hi" so I know you've stopped by.)
Hugs! -Enikö
